Skoda is updating the Rapid and Rapid Spaceback with numerous innovations. New lighting systems ensure greater safety, passengers are ‘always online’ thanks to an available WLAN hotspot and there are two new 1.0-TSI petrol engines with three cylinders. The upgraded models will be presented to the public for the first time at the Geneva International Motor Show this week.

Positioned between the Skoda Fabia and Skoda Octavia, the Rapid and Rapid Spaceback  receive a number of exterior changes. The modified fog lights shine in the newly designed lower part of the bumper. A narrow chrome strip (standard from SE L up) connects the lights and creates a wider-looking front end. Black-tinted covers on the taillights have the distinctive C-shape. The Skoda Rapid SE Sport also features an extended rear window.

The wheels are available in new designs: COSTA wheel trims for the 15 inch wheels, EVORA (silver) and VIGO (silver / black metallic) for the 16 inch alloys, TRIUS (silver), and TORINO (black polished, for the Monte Carlo edition) 17 inch alloy wheels.

The main headlights of the Rapid and Rapid Spaceback are now available with bi-xenon lights, the daytime running light uses LED technology. The Light Assistant completes the programme: It activates the daytime running light with the ignition. A sensor then continually measures the light conditions and switches the headlights on or off automatically. This applies to both twilight and driving through tunnels. A predetermined time for brightness can be set using the Coming Home and Leaving Home functions. The vehicle environment is illuminated so that the passengers can safely get in or out.

Finally, the high-beam assistant always ensures optimal illumination of the road. In the dark and at speeds above 37 mph, the sensor detects vehicles ahead (up to a distance of 400 meters), as well as on-coming traffic (up to 1,000 meters) and dims the lights as appropriate.

The interior of the upgraded Skoda Rapid and Rapid Spaceback features many design changes. Firstly, new inlays have been added to the four doors. The air vents in the dashboard, the instruments and the control panel of the manual air-conditioning system have also been redesigned.

Alongside two new 1.0 TSI petrol engines the 1.4 and 1.6 TDI diesels continue.

The new optional Skoda Connect services consist of Infotainment Online and CareConnect services. Infotainment Online is the online traffic information, which transmits the traffic flow on the selected route in real time and suggests a traffic jam route, and is available with Amundsen satellite-navigation. Other available information consists of fuel stations including current fuel prices, parking spaces, current news and weather.

CareConnect services support the driver in many situations, and are available for all equipment variants and the Amundsen and Swing infotainment systems. The data is transferred via a permanently integrated SIM card. The offer includes the automatic emergency call, which can be used to establish a connection to an emergency call centre or operated manually even after a restraint system has been triggered.

The CareConnect services also include a breakdown call function, which can be used to arrange help when needed or answer questions on vehicle technology, and the Proactive Service. This makes it possible to transfer maintenance-relevant vehicle data to the Skoda workshop in good time before a service. Via the Skoda Connect app on the smartphone, at any time the driver can remotely access vehicle information, find out whether the windows, doors or sunroof are closed, and view the fuel gauge of the Rapid and Rapid Spaceback. In addition, it is possible to send navigation information to the car and display the current parking position of the vehicle on the smartphone.

The music and navigation systems of the Rapid and Rapid Spaceback are based on the second-generation modular infotainment kit. Features such as the surround system, Bluetooth hands-free kit and an Apple-compatible USB port come as standard or are available as options. The smartphone interface SmartLink+, which supports Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, MirrorLink and SmartGate standards, can also be used with the display.

Another addition is the option of two USB ports in the back, which can be used to charge smartphones or other small mobile devices.